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It’s great to be out on the road, but one downside is that you can’t have everything you could possibly need like you do at home. From blizzards to getting in an accident, plenty of dangerous and unpleasant things can happen while you’re in your car. The best way to stay prepared is to create a compact but comprehensive emergency kit for your car. Here are eight things Robert J. DeBry recommends.
1. Car maintenance tools
Obviously, most cars should have a few things when you buy them, but here is a quick list of must-haves for quick repairs and on-the-road maintenance:
- Paper towels
- Washer fluid and water
- Tire pressure gauge
- Spare tire in good condition
- Owner’s manual
- Jumper cables
2. Health and safety items
Some people get car sick, and others might receive an injury whether from an accident or other activity. Keep these helpful items in your car so that you’ll always have what you need.
- First aid kit, including clean gauze and antiseptic
- Hand-powered flashlight to avoid battery leakage
- Energy bars or some form of nonperishable food
- Water bottles and purifying tablets
- Solar-powered radio for weather reports
- Thermal blanket
3. Seasonal items
Even if nothing bad happens out on the road, these few things will keep you comfortable and feeling good in any situation. Make sure to keep the following in your car as the season requires.
- Ice scraper
- Umbrella
- Cardboard or piece of carpet to remedy stuck tires
- Sun shield
4. Odds and ends for comfort or convenience
You don’t have to have something bad happen to you to need a tissue while on the road. Here are some simple things to keep on hand.
- Tissues
- USB mobile device charger
- Change of clothing
- Maps (in case of no service)
- Blanket
- Spare change and emergency money
- Plastic bags for trash or other items
5. Hazard-ready materials
Automobile accidents are a huge cause of injury and death, so it’s important to realize that you might meet with disaster. Hope for the best but expect for the worst, and pack these items along to stay safe.
- Seat belt cutter/window breaker
- Flares or reflective signage
- Duct tape
- Pencil and paper